Fertilizer Licensing

The information furnished on these pages provides a summary of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's regulatory requirements for businesses or persons wishing to offer for sale fertilizers intended for agricultural use or operate a lawn care service which custom applies fertilizer. Complete information concerning the aforementioned subject matter may be found in the Minnesota Statutes and Rules that govern the labeling, sales, use and storage of these materials.

The objective of the Fertilizer Licensing Program is to promote fair trade practices among businesses that offer fertilizer products for sale and provide consumer awareness/protection by providing accurate, meaningful and uniform labeling and licensing standards.

Agricultural Fertilizer License

A person may not sell or distribute bulk fertilizers for use on agricultural lands, custom apply fertilizers, or manufacture, blend, or otherwise manipulate fertilizers without obtaining a license from the commissioner for each fixed location where the person does business within the state and one license for all fixed locations that are located outside of the state. (18C.415)

A distributor may not manipulate fertilizer by means of a mobile mechanical unit without a license from the commissioner for each mobile unit. (18C.415) This includes but is not limited to mobile units used to convert 10-34-0 or other grades of liquid or dry fertilizer.

Lawn Service Fertilizer License

A person may not sell or distribute bulk fertilizers for use on agricultural lands, custom apply (for hire) fertilizers, or manufacture, blend, or otherwise manipulate fertilizers without obtaining a license from the commissioner for each fixed location where the person does business within the state and one license for all fixed locations that are located outside of the state. (18C.415)

Any person who applies fertilizer for hire (regardless of whether the fertilizer product is custom blended, bagged, bulk, etc.) must obtain a fertilizer license. A license is required for any application, including applications to lawns, plants (including trees and shrubs), and interior landscapes.

Application Information

The application for license must include a completed license application form, a copy of the fertilizer product label(s) (application record/invoice/delivery or batch ticket) and the appropriate application fees. (18C.415)

Worker’s compensation insurance and taxpayer identification information is required to be included on the completed license application form. Failure to provide this information will delay the issuance of a license.

The annual application fee for each fixed location to be covered by the license within the state is $100. The annual application fee for all fixed locations outside of the state is $100. Application fees are nonrefundable. (18C.425) The effective license period is from January 1 to the following December 31 and must be renewed annually. A license is not transferable from one person to another, from the ownership to whom issued to another ownership, or from one location to another location. (18C.415) The application for renewal of a fertilizer license must be filed before January 1 as required or an additional application (penalty) fee of one-half of the application fee ($50) is due. (18C.425) In addition, a surcharge of $50 for the Agricultural Chemical Response & Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) is due with the application. (18E.03)

The license must be posted in a conspicuous place in each fixed location in the state. (18C.415)

Renewal applications are mailed to applicants in November and are due by December 31 of each year. An application is considered late if it is post marked later then December 31.

MDA Contact

Carol Durden, State Program Administrator
Carol.Durden@state.mn.us
651-201-6379
Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division